“If there’d been an actual robbery, it would’ve been much worse.” Steven sighed. “I hate having to replace broken glass or banged-up doorjambs.”
“If you need any help getting things out of the storage room, let me know.” Leo didn’t want to do anything more than just crawl into a bed and pull the covers over his head until the chaos that had engulfed his life was over.
“I should be fine tonight.” Steven opened the door and walked out. “Hopefully next time I’ll be able to give you a day or more warning before having to traipse through the yard to the side stairs.”
“Sorry I missed the call.” Leo stood there as Steven walked off the porch, then turned and moved down the far side of the house so he could get to the stairs that went to the basement storage room. The adrenaline rush that had engulfed Leo at the hotel dissipated, leaving him even more ready to go crawl into a bed somewhere.
An uneasy silence engulfed them until the sounds of Steven’s old truck broke the night as he started it and drove away.
Julie collapsed into the recliner. “I’m so sorry I called the cops. After everything that’s gone on recently, I figured it was the right thing to do.”
Leo walked over and put a hand on her shoulder. “It was. Don’t worry about it. Better safe than sorry. If I hadn’t missed the call earlier, or had listened to the message, none of this would’ve happened.”
She shook her head. “With everything that’s happened recently, I guess it’s a mistake any of us could’ve made. But the timing of it sucks.”
Felix looked up from petting Sofi. “I’m actually glad you called the cops, Julie. Having them show up made me feel a lot better about things.” A soft shudder passed over him. If Leo didn’t know Felix as well as he did, it’s something he would’ve missed. “I can’t believe I’m so scared of things right now. This is awful.”
“At least this time it was a false alarm.” Aud leaned against the wall. “I’d have hated for something to have happened to you two while I had Leo off by myself.”
“So what are we going to do now?” Julie asked.
A yawn escaped Leo as he settled onto the arm of the recliner next to her. “I’d love to sit and chat—careful not to slip on the sarcasm of that statement—but I think it’s been a long day for all of us and we could really use some sleep.”
“Are you going back with Aud?” There was a pleading note to Felix’s question.
Leo glanced from Aud to Felix. The idea of sleeping in Aud’s strong arms was very appealing, but Felix sounded like he needed Leo more. He frowned. “Aud, what do you say I stay here with Felix tonight? Julie might sleep better in her own bed.”
A look of relief washed over Julie. “Maybe. I don’t know. I might not sleep at all tonight.”
Leo squeezed her shoulder. “You need the rest as much as all of us.” He turned his focus back to Aud. “Is that okay with you?”
“Sure.” Disappointment danced across Aud’s rugged features, then quickly vanished. “Whatever works best for you. We’ve all been through a lot today.”
“Do you want to join us for brunch tomorrow?” Leo got up from the arm of the recliner and strolled toward Aud.
“I need to call the house insurance folks as soon as I get up. My schedule will all depend on them and getting things cleaned up. I can call you when I know more.”
Leo took his hands. “Okay. What do you say I walk you out to your car?”
A faint smile played at the corners of Aud’s mouth. “I’d like that.”
Looking back over his shoulder at his friends, Leo resisted the sigh that threatened to come out. “I’ll be right back.” He took Aud’s hand and headed for the door.
“We’re okay.” Felix kept petting Sofi, who didn’t show any sign of getting out of his lap in the near future.
They walked in silence until they reached the sidewalk. Leo squeezed Aud’s hand. “I’m so sorry this is happening. I really wanted us to spend the night together, but Felix needs me.”
At the curb Aud turned and hugged Leo. “I understand. You’re being there for your friends. That’s one of the cool things about you. So many people nowadays are so wrapped up in their own lives they don’t care about anyone other than themselves. It’s wonderful to be with a guy who puts others ahead of himself.”
Leo kissed him. “Thanks for understanding. That makes you fairly awesome in my book. We’ll get our alone time really soon.”
“I hope so. But even if it takes a while, that doesn’t matter to me. I just want to get some of your time now and again. Every minute I spend with you becomes more precious.” A deep resonating chuckle came from Aud. “Wow, that sounded mushy. I’m not normally like that.”